Lord High Steward

The position of Lord High Steward of England, not to be confused with the Lord Steward, a court functionary, is the first of the Great Officers of State. Although initially the position was largely an honorary one, over time it grew in importance until its holder became one of the most powerful men of the kingdom. From the late 12th century, the office was considered to be bound with the Earldom of Leicester. When the House of Lancaster ascended the throne in 1399, Henry IV made his second son, Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence, Lord High Steward, but following the latter's death in 1421 the office has generally remained vacant, except at coronations and during the trial of peers, when the Lord High Steward presides. In general, the Lord Chancellor was appointed to act as Lord High Steward in the latter situation. The trial of peers by their peers in the House of Lords was abolished in 1948.

Lord High Stewards of England, 1186-1421

• Robert, 2nd Earl of Leicester 1154-1168
• Robert Blanchemains, 3rd Earl of Leicester 1168-1190
• Robert FitzPernel, 4th Earl of Leicester 1190-1204
• Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester 1206-1218
• Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester 1218-1265
• Edmund, 1st Earl of Lancaster 1265-1296
• Thomas, 2nd Earl of Lancaster 1296-1322
• Henry, 3rd Earl of Lancaster 1324-1345
• Henry of Grosmont, Duke of Lancaster 1345-1361
• John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster 1362-1399
• Henry of Bollingbroke, 2nd Duke of Lancaster 1399
• Thomas of Lancaster, Duke of Clarence 1399-1421